For today’s cyclists, a reliable phone mount has become almost as essential as a helmet or a good set of lights. Whether navigating winding back roads, following a gravel trail or dodging traffic during your daily commute, a secure way to keep your phone in view makes every ride smoother and safer.
Modern smartphones aren’t just communication devices. They’re powerful cycling computers, offering GPS navigation, performance tracking, weather updates and training apps like Strava, Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks. With a solid cycling phone holder, you can access all of these tools without fumbling in your pocket.
A phone mount for road cycling gives competitive riders real-time performance data, while mountain bikers and gravel-cycling enthusiasts benefit from turn-by-turn navigation on the trails. Commuters can monitor traffic or receive hands-free call alerts. Even indoors, a stable mount enhances training by letting riders view the ROUVY indoor cycling app’s ultra-realistic routes or structured workouts on their handlebars.
The right solution keeps your device accessible, secure and protected against the elements, giving you the confidence to ride without distraction.
Types of bike phone mounts
Cyclists have several options when it comes to how their phone is positioned on the bike. Each type of mount has its own strengths depending on riding style, terrain and personal preference.
Handlebar mounts are the most common and versatile. They attach directly to the bars with a strap or clamp and are easy to fit on nearly any bike. Their central position makes the screen easy to glance at, although bulkier mounts can crowd already packed bars.
Stem mounts place the phone directly above the stem, offering a tidy, centralized setup. This position is popular with road cyclists who want a streamlined cockpit and minimal interference with their riding posture.
Out-front mounts extend forward from the handlebars, positioning the phone in front of the rider. This makes it easier to glance at the display without dropping your head, which is especially useful for fast road riding and time trials.
Finally, there’s the question of quick release vs. permanent fixtures. Quick-release systems allow the phone to be attached and detached in seconds, ideal for commuters who lock their bikes outdoors or riders switching between bikes. More permanent options, by contrast, offer greater stability and security, making them popular with gravel, MTB, and touring cyclists who need extra reassurance on rough ground.
Key features to consider
When choosing the best bike phone mounts, several features make the difference between a frustrating experience and one that simply works.
Compatibility with phone sizes and cases is essential. With ever-larger smartphones, mounts must securely hold devices with or without bulky protective cases. Many top options now include adjustable clamps or universal fit designs.
Ease of installation also matters. Cyclists who regularly move between bikes appreciate tool-free fitting systems, while others may prefer a more permanent, screw-mounted design for long-term stability.
Durability and build quality ensure the mount withstands constant vibration, rain and exposure to the sun. Aluminium or reinforced polymer frames are common in premium models, while budget-friendly versions often rely on plastic.
Vibration damping is another critical factor, especially for gravel riders and mountain bikers. Too much road chatter can blur the screen or even damage delicate phone components, so look for mounts that incorporate shock-absorbing materials or stabilizing arms.
Waterproofing and weather resistance complete the picture. A waterproof bike phone mount with a sealed case protects against rain, mud and sweat, while open-style designs may be lighter and better for ventilation in dry conditions.
Best bike phone mounts for 2025
Here’s a look at some of the top performers for different cycling scenarios.
Top picks for road cycling
- Winner: Quad Lock – The Quad Lock Out Front Pro features a sleek, aerodynamic and rock-solid locking system. Quick release lever makes attaching and removing your phone easy, yet it stays locked even at high speeds.
- Honourable Mention: SP Connect Aero Mount Pro – Its slimline design integrates with your cockpit, for weight-conscious road cyclists. Its twist-to-lock interface is secure but requires a proprietary case.
Best for gravel & MTB
- Winner: Fidlock Vacuum – Gravel grinders appreciate the Fidlock Vacuum handlebar base’s magnetic alignment and mechanical lock. This mount is great for rough trails. It’s secure and easy to install.
- Honourable mention: Topeak RideCase: Heavier than some others but built to last rough conditions, the Topeak RideCase mount is rugged – with reinforced corners and a shock-damping case.
Best for commuting
- Winner: Nite Ize Wraptor Rotating Bar Mount – Its universal clamp fits nearly any bar and phone. It’s great for commuters who switch bikes often. It features a rotating cradle for portrait or landscape orientation for quick navigation checks.
- Honourable mention: Lezyne Smart Grip Mount – Affordable and tool-free to install, Lezyne’s Smart Grip Mount boasts a strong grip and rubber padding to prevent phone slippage in stop-and-go traffic.
Best for bikepacking/touring
- Winner: Topeak’s Omni QuickTrack– Designed to work with Topeak’s luggage systems, it’s highly adaptable for touring setups. The Omni QuickTrack’s rubber arms stretch to hold a wide variety of devices. Great for long trips.
- Honourable mention: Rokform Sport Series – Built with military-grade materials and featuring a magnet-assisted lock. Rokform’s universal Sport mounts are reliable and compatible with protective cases.
Top picks for indoor cycling on ROUVY
- Winner: Elite Training Desk – Purpose-built for indoor setups, offering an adjustable clamp system that keeps your device secure. With its stable base and sweat-resistant materials, it keeps your phone (and/or tablet) in place even during intense workouts on the ROUVY app.
- Honourable mention: Delta’s X-Mount Pro – The X-Mount Pro by Delta is an affordable and solid clamp that fits most handlebars.
